Buying an Elite German Shepherd Dog in Lockhart Texas?

If you're considering buying from Elite German Shepherds in Lockhart Texas (actually located in Luling, Texas), you should be aware that the owner is Cindy Hiemenz, formerly of Illinois.

Her company is also known as von Fenwald Kennels and Stone Hill Pet Resort

AKC registration?

Be sure to see the American Kennel Club (AKC) registration papers for both parents if you buy from her and ask for your copy of the litter registration before you hand over any money. Call the AKC and ask whether the litter has been AKC registered. Is it under Elite German Shepherds? Is it under von Fenwald Kennels? Is it under Cindy Hiemenz? We weren't able to find any registrations after 2004.

It's her job to register the litter when it's born; not after you buy the pup. Don't let her tell you the registration will come in the mail.

What's NuVet?

Before you drive all the way to Lockhart just to look at a puppy, be aware that she will require you to buy NuVet vitamins for two (2) years. That's another $800 you won't read about in the classified ads. You have to give NuVet a reference number and Cindy will get an email every time you order a new batch of vitamins.

Talk about Big Brother!

Does She Use a Vetrinarian?

Her form lists Chisolm Trail's Dr. Beck as the vet who checks out the puppies. Call Dr. Beck first and ask whether she's actually seen the puppy and verified its health.

Resources:

Search for Cindy Hiemenz in Ripoff Report.COM
Search for von Fenwald in Ripoff Report.COM
Who really lives at 11730 South Highway 183 in Lockhart/Luling Texas? (you can search CaldwellCAD.org, go to Property Search, owner, Hiemenz)
How many businesses have the phone number (512) 767-4000?
Who is Greta von Fenwald?

Who Owns This Web Site?

A disgruntled customer who paid for AKC papers and hasn't got them yet. I did my research on the Internet before visiting Elite German Shepherds and found no complaints. It wasn't until I got home and waited for papers that never came that I discovered who owns EliteGSD. It wasn't until I called the AKC that I found out that the litter wasn't registered even though the newspaper ad said "AKC Puppies".

I believe you shouldn't just be able to change your website name and escape your past. I hope this helps you "connect the dots" to be an informed consumer. I may feel stupid for being taken advantage of, but perhaps I can prevent that from happening to someone else out there.